INTRODUCING
ANTWERPEN
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The
Sinjoren
of Antwerp.
'Sinjoren'
is the name that is sometimes used for the Antwerpians. It
is not a nickname. Antwerpians are proud to be called
'Sinjoren'. The word is clearly derived from the Spanish
word 'Senor', and refers to the leading Spanish noble-men
who ruled the city during the 17th century. Not everyone may
call himself 'Sinjoor'. You must have been born in the
medieval centre of Antwerp, and also your father and
grand-father must have been born there.
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Antwerp,
daughter of the River Scheldt and second largest city of Belgium. The
500.000 inhabitants call it the 'Metropolis'
(Antwerpians are known in Belgium for not being too modest). This city
has so many different facets that it takes a while before one gets to
know it thoroughly.
It
is the second largest harbour of
Europe (after Rotterdam). Moreover, Antwerp is a splendid city with
numerous architectural highlights,
most of which date from the 16th (the golden era of Antwerp) and the
17th century. The destructions of the Second World War, unfortunately,
has scarred somehow the fair face of the old town. Still there are
enough monuments left for those who like monument-hopping to spend a
few days admiring them. The past is also represented by the numerous
paintings of Peter Paul Rubens who lived in the Antwerp of the early
17th century.
Antwerp,
the diamond
centre of
the World. If diamonds really are a girl's best friend, than a lot of
ladies will not leave out a visit to the diamond district around the
Railway Station. This area is also the Jewish part of the city. The
presence of many 'Chassidic' Jewish people gives the city a flair that
cannot be found in other Belgian cities.
Antwerp,
however, does not only live from the past. Nowadays, Antwerp has
earned a place among the fashion
cities of the world thanks to the efforts of numerous young Flemish
fashion designers ( e.g.: Walter Van Beirendonck, Nadine Wynants, Ann
De Meulemeester, Dirk Bikkembergs, Kaat Tilley and others). Visit the
fashion area of Antwerp near the Meir shopping street.
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The
'Bolleke'.
 This
is somewhat the unofficial symbol of Antwerp.
'Bolleke' is
the name given to the De Koninck Beer, the most typical
and popular alcoholic drink of the city. The name means
'little ball' and refers to the glass from which the
delightful reddish beer is drunk.
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